Deadly Suicide Bombing Strikes Damascus Church, Killing 25
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- A suicide bombing at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias in Damascus killed at least 25 people and injured 63 others, according to Syrian authorities.
- The attack, attributed to an Islamic State (IS) affiliate, marks the first major IS operation in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December.
- Eyewitnesses reported a gunman opening fire before detonating an explosive vest during a church service attended by approximately 350 people.
- The interim Syrian government, led by former Islamist rebels, has vowed to protect religious minorities amidst ongoing sectarian violence.
- International figures, including the UN and US special envoys, condemned the attack and urged for unity against terrorism and extremism.
A devastating suicide bombing at a church in Damascus has left at least 25 people dead and 63 injured, marking a significant escalation in violence since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The attack occurred on Sunday evening at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias, located in the Dweila neighborhood, during a service attended by hundreds.
Attack Details and Eyewitness Accounts
According to Syria's interior ministry, a man affiliated with the jihadist group Islamic State (IS) entered the church, opened fire, and then detonated an explosive vest. Eyewitness Lawrence Maamari described the chaos, stating, "someone entered [the church] from outside carrying a weapon" and began shooting before blowing himself up. Another witness, Ziad, recounted hearing gunfire followed by an explosion that sent glass flying and ignited a fire within the church.
Context and Reactions
This attack is the first major IS operation in Syria since the Islamist-led government replaced Assad in December. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch condemned the attack, calling it a "treacherous hand of evil" and urging the interim authorities to protect religious minorities. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis echoed this sentiment, urging the Syrian government to take concrete measures to safeguard all ethnic and religious communities.
Government and International Response
Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is a former al-Qaeda affiliate, has promised to protect minorities despite recent sectarian violence. Interior Minister Anas Khattab labeled the bombing a "reprehensible crime" and assured that investigations are underway. The UN and US special envoys condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for unity against terrorism and extremism.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The recent attack in Damascus underscores the fragile security situation in Syria, highlighting the challenges faced by the interim government in maintaining stability. The resurgence of IS activity could potentially exploit the existing sectarian tensions, posing a significant threat to the region's peace efforts. Experts suggest that the Syrian government must intensify its efforts to protect religious minorities and prevent further radicalization. International support and collaboration may be crucial in addressing the root causes of extremism and ensuring long-term peace in Syria.
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Deadly Suicide Bombing Strikes Damascus Church, Killing 25
In This Article
James Okoro| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- A suicide bombing at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias in Damascus killed at least 25 people and injured 63 others, according to Syrian authorities.
- The attack, attributed to an Islamic State (IS) affiliate, marks the first major IS operation in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December.
- Eyewitnesses reported a gunman opening fire before detonating an explosive vest during a church service attended by approximately 350 people.
- The interim Syrian government, led by former Islamist rebels, has vowed to protect religious minorities amidst ongoing sectarian violence.
- International figures, including the UN and US special envoys, condemned the attack and urged for unity against terrorism and extremism.
A devastating suicide bombing at a church in Damascus has left at least 25 people dead and 63 injured, marking a significant escalation in violence since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The attack occurred on Sunday evening at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias, located in the Dweila neighborhood, during a service attended by hundreds.
Attack Details and Eyewitness Accounts
According to Syria's interior ministry, a man affiliated with the jihadist group Islamic State (IS) entered the church, opened fire, and then detonated an explosive vest. Eyewitness Lawrence Maamari described the chaos, stating, "someone entered [the church] from outside carrying a weapon" and began shooting before blowing himself up. Another witness, Ziad, recounted hearing gunfire followed by an explosion that sent glass flying and ignited a fire within the church.
Context and Reactions
This attack is the first major IS operation in Syria since the Islamist-led government replaced Assad in December. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch condemned the attack, calling it a "treacherous hand of evil" and urging the interim authorities to protect religious minorities. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis echoed this sentiment, urging the Syrian government to take concrete measures to safeguard all ethnic and religious communities.
Government and International Response
Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is a former al-Qaeda affiliate, has promised to protect minorities despite recent sectarian violence. Interior Minister Anas Khattab labeled the bombing a "reprehensible crime" and assured that investigations are underway. The UN and US special envoys condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for unity against terrorism and extremism.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The recent attack in Damascus underscores the fragile security situation in Syria, highlighting the challenges faced by the interim government in maintaining stability. The resurgence of IS activity could potentially exploit the existing sectarian tensions, posing a significant threat to the region's peace efforts. Experts suggest that the Syrian government must intensify its efforts to protect religious minorities and prevent further radicalization. International support and collaboration may be crucial in addressing the root causes of extremism and ensuring long-term peace in Syria.
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